Wow...I can't believe that it is February already...and I admit, I have not been very good at keeping up with this here blog...Life has truly become so busy for me that blogging and I just don't mix much anymore. Besides...there has not been a whole lot to blog about...that is pretty much the same line I write with each blog post as of late, so I figured why bother....
My family and I are all doing well, so to speak...the kids are good, the hubby is good and I am doing just "ok"....I pretty much fell off the fitness wagon the entire month of January....so, I hope to get back in the swing of things this month. Last week, I worked out 4 times, ran 20.5 miles....only took 1 Body Pump class and I really need to focus on my strength training again...a year ago, I was "ripped" and I have totally lost all of the muscle tone I worked so hard for....I just have felt off for quite some time, health wise....I had some serious stomach issues last month as well...went to the doctor, thought maybe it was my gallbladder, had an ultrasound and blood work done and both came back fine...I was never given an alternative answer to my problem by the doctor other than "possible IBS"....so, I started taking Metamucil, upped my fiber, cut out alcohol ( I had gotten to where I was drinking a lot of wine-not on an alcoholic level..but enough I knew was not good for my body) and changed some of the foods I was eating. I had a strange fluttering sensation for over two weeks beneath my right rib cage and it was literally driving me nuts...and it scared me...as I had no idea what the heck it was...Never got an answer from the Doctor on that either..but, surprisingly, it has stopped as of Saturday. No idea what it was. I can't help but wonder if it stress/anxiety....I have been dealing with a lot...My oldest son got into a little bit of trouble, My Mom is homeless and refuses to move to Indiana to live with me.....as is my brother....Both of them are temporarily staying with her best friend but it is not a long term answer....On top of that my 16 year old niece (my brothers daughter) is pregnant...I am so worried about her and how she is going to cope, as her Mother is trash and worthless and my brother has pretty much checked out of the whole situation...Everything seems as if it is such a mess and I feel totally helpless...We have had car problems and had to buy a new car, so of course lots of stress went hand in hand with that...sigh....I just don't know....
Anyway, I am so ready for Spring..I think I have a serious case of the Winter Blues....things have got to start looking up!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Happy Birthday.....
Today is my 2nd oldest son's 18th birthday...my Gosh...where has the time gone? I can't believe he is now considered an "adult"....I am so very proud of him and love him so very much. I hate that I can't be with him today....as he lives with his dad 2 hours away...but, I called him this morning and wished him Happy Birthday...
He spent last Saturday night with me and we took him out to the Olive Garden to celebrate and had cake and ice cream when we got home...he is such a special and wonderful young man and I know that the life ahead of him is going to be a good one. He is hard working, caring and things only of others above and beyond himself.
He is going to do great things...I just know it! Happy Birthday my son!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Happy New Year Everyone....
Wow, another month has past since my last post...the holidays are officially over and we are headed into another year....and I plan on this being the best year ever! Regardless of the 12/21 prediction..lol. How many of you are believing in that hype?
With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions for a lot of people...and I usually make them myself...but not this year...this year I am going to be motivated to make some changes, for my overall well being, mind body and soul...not just to be "making resolutions".....I am going to live every day, to be the best person I can be and be grateful for every morning that I wake up...be more thankful for what I have and more motivated to achieve those things I don't......
I had a good Christmas with my kids this year....The two oldest drove up from Terre Haute and spent an evening with Keith and I and there younger 2 brothers... and we celebrated our Christmas with our gift exchange and a nice dinner out. They went home the next day and the two youngest went to their Dads and to the grandparents....Aaron to his Dad's, and Max to Keith's parents.
Keith and I also spent Christmas Eve with Max at Keith's parents and Christmas day..they were very generous to us as well as to Max....the best present I had was that it was actually warm enough Christmas day to go on a 5 mile run...it was awesome to be out in the country in Rockville Indiana, the sun was shining...it was chilly, but very exhilarating....I loved it! As well as the Monday after Christmas, I was able to run outside again, another 5 miles and I was grateful for that opportunity...I have never ran outside in December before.
Last year for 2011 I made a goal to run 1000 miles for the year...unfortunately, I fell short; I ended my year with 923.35 miles...:( Oh, well...that is above and beyond 2010 so I guess I should be proud...41 years old and over 900 miles in a year...that is a lot of time spent pounding the pavement and on a treadmill...So, again, I will make the goal to meet that 1000 miles for the year 2012...along with running another 5 k in April, a 10 k at some point and the Indy half Marathon in May...and maybe, just maybe....I will be motivated enough to train for a full marathon sometime late this fall. That distance really intimidates me, but it is something I must check off my bucket list, as I am not getting any younger...
I am going to amp up my fitness to an entire other level....no less than 5 workouts a week and increase my strength training...with 4 kids-six pack abs have been almost impossible to acquire, but I feel if I get with a trainer this year, increase improving my core strength, change my supplements, and tweak my diet (no refined sugars/carbs-especially wine-boo), then I will have my dream abs by the time we go to Florida this June...I am ready to kick start it.
How about you? What are you looking forward to achieving this new year?
With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions for a lot of people...and I usually make them myself...but not this year...this year I am going to be motivated to make some changes, for my overall well being, mind body and soul...not just to be "making resolutions".....I am going to live every day, to be the best person I can be and be grateful for every morning that I wake up...be more thankful for what I have and more motivated to achieve those things I don't......
I had a good Christmas with my kids this year....The two oldest drove up from Terre Haute and spent an evening with Keith and I and there younger 2 brothers... and we celebrated our Christmas with our gift exchange and a nice dinner out. They went home the next day and the two youngest went to their Dads and to the grandparents....Aaron to his Dad's, and Max to Keith's parents.
Keith and I also spent Christmas Eve with Max at Keith's parents and Christmas day..they were very generous to us as well as to Max....the best present I had was that it was actually warm enough Christmas day to go on a 5 mile run...it was awesome to be out in the country in Rockville Indiana, the sun was shining...it was chilly, but very exhilarating....I loved it! As well as the Monday after Christmas, I was able to run outside again, another 5 miles and I was grateful for that opportunity...I have never ran outside in December before.
Last year for 2011 I made a goal to run 1000 miles for the year...unfortunately, I fell short; I ended my year with 923.35 miles...:( Oh, well...that is above and beyond 2010 so I guess I should be proud...41 years old and over 900 miles in a year...that is a lot of time spent pounding the pavement and on a treadmill...So, again, I will make the goal to meet that 1000 miles for the year 2012...along with running another 5 k in April, a 10 k at some point and the Indy half Marathon in May...and maybe, just maybe....I will be motivated enough to train for a full marathon sometime late this fall. That distance really intimidates me, but it is something I must check off my bucket list, as I am not getting any younger...
I am going to amp up my fitness to an entire other level....no less than 5 workouts a week and increase my strength training...with 4 kids-six pack abs have been almost impossible to acquire, but I feel if I get with a trainer this year, increase improving my core strength, change my supplements, and tweak my diet (no refined sugars/carbs-especially wine-boo), then I will have my dream abs by the time we go to Florida this June...I am ready to kick start it.
How about you? What are you looking forward to achieving this new year?
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The most delicious cake ever!!!
I never post recipes on my blog....especially when it comes to food that is "not so good for you"...lol....but I love making treats for my family..when I do, I may have just a bite or two.....no more no less, leaving it for the kids and hubby to enjoy. A few days ago, I stumbled across this recipe on a blog...howsweeteats.com...I just love her blog, she is downright hilarious and has some amazing recipes....
Anyway, the recipe is for a chocolate cake and it is without a doubt, the most moist and delectable chocolate cake I have ever, ever, ever put into my mouth...even hubby, who is a cake connoisseur, and very seldom eats anything chocolate said it was the best he had ever had...amazing!
So, here is the recipe:
1 box Devils food cake mix
1 20 oz can apple pie filling
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla flavoring
Combine all ingredients, mix for 2 1/2 minutes (I used a hand mixer) and pour into a 9 x 13 greased and floured baking pan. The mixture will be thick, so don't panic...
Bake according to pkg directions...I baked at 350 for 38 minutes....and then after it cooled, I frosted with regular canned chocolate frosting...in a few words.."To Die For".....
It was so hard for me to stop with two bites....so, if you are looking for a dessert that is quick and easy, taste delicious...and have everyone literally fighting to get the last piece..go..bake this now!
Enjoy!
Dixie
Monday, December 5, 2011
Total Running Miles for the year...thus far....
841...that is the number of miles I have ran this far. I so wanted to hit 1000 for the year, but I am going to fall short..:(
I am sure I will be over 900...but, I had a couple of not so stellar months...on average 18-20 miles a week is pretty good....
I could hang it up right now..be pleased that I have run as much as I have..but, I won't....maybe I can hit a 100 for the month of December....that would be pretty sweet.....let it be my highest mileage month...as it is, I am well ahead of where I was last year....by around 150 miles....so, I will take it...I feel pretty darn good about it too!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Almost December......
Wow, hard to believe today is the last day of November..where the heck did this month go? And again...a week since my last post. I have just been busy,ya'll..no, seriously...one day has blurred into the next and I feel like my life is passing by at warp speed...anyways, Thanksgiving at my house was quite the success...although, Mama here was one tired cookie once all was said and done....I cooked for two days straight and Thanksgiving evening, after everyone left, all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch in my comfy robe, with a glass of wine and a piece of pie in one hand and the t.v. remote in the other. Needless to say, I gained 5 lbs from all the "sampling" I did when I was cooking....I am usually very diligent about my diet, with one treat meal a week, but I threw everything, even exercise out the window last week and pretty much pushed the self-destruct button on my fitness and healthy eating regime...but, although I kind of fell of the wagon, I hopped right back on this week and I am already down 3 lbs of the 5...I ran six miles on Monday, and had planned on a full body weight sesh..but, jeez Louise...that gym was packed with all the guilty over eaters in Lafayette and finding a space to squeeze into to work with the weights was nare impossible....so, after a few minutes of huffing and puffing, walking around and getting exasperated waiting on the meat heads and gym bunnies to get done, I threw in the towel and came home...
Last night, we had our first snow "storm"...of the winter season here in Indiana and although it was really not that bad, the roads were not in the best condition, and several accidents had already been reported before I left for work at 5 pm, so the hubby advised me that it would be in my best interest to get my little fanny home, so that is what I did....so tonight, since the sun is shining and all the snow has melted, I am headed to the gym...my plan is 4.5 miles on the tread mill, 15 on the eliptical, 15 min abs, 45 minutes for weights....a good solid 2 hour workout...and here is hoping to finding the space to get this accomplished.
Now, without further adieu...here are the pictures of me and the fam on Thanksgiving...I was so grateful and so thrilled to have all four of my boys together, my hubby and his parents....it truly filled my tired worn out heart with pure happiness.
The most wonderful juicy and moist stuffed turkey I do believe I have cooked...Paula Deen would have even been proud....along with just some of the side dishes...it truly was enough food for an army.
Not really sure what is going on in this picture..I do know they were watching the fooz ball....lol...not sure what Tim is doing with his mouth..but, I do know they were waiting on me to yell, "Come and get it"....
The aftermath....does this mean they enjoyed it? I would like to think so...lol.
Me, Justin and the Mother-in-law....(before Dinner I think)....
Tim and I...I look at this picture and can't believe I have a 21 year old son...
Max and Tim..he just loves his big brothers to pieces...
Max, Justin and Grandma....
Aaron, Tim and Justin...I think they were supposed to make goofy faces, but Tim was the only one that came through on that...lol..
Total posers these two....they crack me up!
They snuck this one in on me...taken I am sure right before they left me for the evening...Love you boys!!!!!
Well, now that I am sure I seriously bored all of you to death, I am going to wrap up this post...hope you enjoyed it, because it may be a day, a week, a month or more before you hear from me again...what with the wonderful holiday of Christmas around the corner (bah humbug)...and all the whirlwind of activity that entails, on top of that, I have to work every freaking day,plus try to maintain my fitness at least 4-5 days a week....blogging kind of takes a back seat...although I do try to stay up to date on reading all of my favorite bloggers....
Dixiechick...out....
Last night, we had our first snow "storm"...of the winter season here in Indiana and although it was really not that bad, the roads were not in the best condition, and several accidents had already been reported before I left for work at 5 pm, so the hubby advised me that it would be in my best interest to get my little fanny home, so that is what I did....so tonight, since the sun is shining and all the snow has melted, I am headed to the gym...my plan is 4.5 miles on the tread mill, 15 on the eliptical, 15 min abs, 45 minutes for weights....a good solid 2 hour workout...and here is hoping to finding the space to get this accomplished.
Now, without further adieu...here are the pictures of me and the fam on Thanksgiving...I was so grateful and so thrilled to have all four of my boys together, my hubby and his parents....it truly filled my tired worn out heart with pure happiness.
The most wonderful juicy and moist stuffed turkey I do believe I have cooked...Paula Deen would have even been proud....along with just some of the side dishes...it truly was enough food for an army.
Not really sure what is going on in this picture..I do know they were watching the fooz ball....lol...not sure what Tim is doing with his mouth..but, I do know they were waiting on me to yell, "Come and get it"....
The aftermath....does this mean they enjoyed it? I would like to think so...lol.
Me, Justin and the Mother-in-law....(before Dinner I think)....
Tim and I...I look at this picture and can't believe I have a 21 year old son...
Max and Tim..he just loves his big brothers to pieces...
Max, Justin and Grandma....
Aaron, Tim and Justin...I think they were supposed to make goofy faces, but Tim was the only one that came through on that...lol..
Total posers these two....they crack me up!
They snuck this one in on me...taken I am sure right before they left me for the evening...Love you boys!!!!!
Well, now that I am sure I seriously bored all of you to death, I am going to wrap up this post...hope you enjoyed it, because it may be a day, a week, a month or more before you hear from me again...what with the wonderful holiday of Christmas around the corner (bah humbug)...and all the whirlwind of activity that entails, on top of that, I have to work every freaking day,plus try to maintain my fitness at least 4-5 days a week....blogging kind of takes a back seat...although I do try to stay up to date on reading all of my favorite bloggers....
Dixiechick...out....
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Let the Holidays begin.....
It's hard to believe, but in exactly one week, I will be putting one of these on the table:
Where has this year gone? Seriously...I am not ready for the Holidays, for Winter...the cold and the snow...
I am looking forward to having my family together next Week....minus one kid. It is Aaron's fathers turn to have him for Thanksgiving, so it will just be my older two boys and my youngest, along with the hubby and his parents...I am planning to cook an entire feast, just like I did last year. I have next Wednesday off of work, and am in a debacle...I need to stay home and clean, start food prep and pick up my two oldest boys in Terre Haute, but my youngest son has a field trip that day to the Children's Museum in Indianapolis and I would like to go with him on that...so, I don't know what to do....there are just not enough hours in the day, not enough of me to go around...
Which has been causing some major stress....resulting in chest pain and tightness/shortness of breath that I have had going on since last Monday night...I couldn't sleep Monday night because of it..it got so bad at one point, I had the wits scared out of me...thinking I was having a heart attack....still have the constant pressure and tightness right now and I don't know what to do...go to the Dr/E.R or not go....maybe it is a chest cold, but I have no other symptoms of a cold, other than sinus drainage...in fact last night, I ran 4 miles in 36 minutes, walked another half mile, did 15 minutes on the eliptical and actually felt ok for a while....but, it is still there, along with pain in the middle of my back....I don't want to be a hypocondriac but I am really starting to get worried....
Moving on...life is still just as hectic and busy as ever....I honestly feel like I can never slow down....they are starting to lay people off here at work, so there are only two of us left here in the office...which makes it extremely busy, more so than usual....on top of my heavy work load that I already have, and my Manager, who is a complete jerk sometimes, loud and obnoxious...I would almost give anything to be one of the few left to be laid off....they did last year, laid me off...2 weeks before Christmas...I was devestated over it last year, but this year..I dont' think it would be so bad....I could use the break, use the rest from this place.
The hubby has been working a lot of overtime as well and has totally worn himself down...he gets short tempered and mean with me and the kids...and its only because of being over worked, stressed himself and he never gets enough sleep......that in itsef is a recipe for disaster....now, to top it off, he has the flu and has felt horrible the last couple of days....between the two of us, I swear we are falling apart...this getting older shit sucks!
For instance, I have totally not felt like working out the past month..I mean, I have...I have forced myself too, but my energy level is low and the desire to do so is just gone...poof! This week, I have worked out one time! Last night for an hour....since the Hubby is sick, I am not going tonight, so that I can take over kid and dinner duties...probably a good idea anyway, with this chest pain stuff I have going on. I just wish it would go away...I dont' like when things are out of sync with me...
I am so glad tomorrow is Friday though....I am ready to relax this weekend, finish reading this book I have been trying to get through for two months..as I want to go buy The Help and read it....I have heard it is really good and I am anxious to find out if it measures up to the hype...I also want to finish a show I have been watching on Netflix...Breaking Bad....if you haven't seen this series check it out...it is full of drama about the drug world....the drug cartel and a high school chemistry teacher named Walt, that finds out he has lung cancer and decides to cook meth to make money for his family before he dies....and he has a brother in law that is a DEA agent and he seriously gets in over his head...good stuff!
So, there you have it...the goings on in the life of Dixie....boring, huh? If I dont' post again for awhile, I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday/Holidays and count your blessings!
Where has this year gone? Seriously...I am not ready for the Holidays, for Winter...the cold and the snow...
I am looking forward to having my family together next Week....minus one kid. It is Aaron's fathers turn to have him for Thanksgiving, so it will just be my older two boys and my youngest, along with the hubby and his parents...I am planning to cook an entire feast, just like I did last year. I have next Wednesday off of work, and am in a debacle...I need to stay home and clean, start food prep and pick up my two oldest boys in Terre Haute, but my youngest son has a field trip that day to the Children's Museum in Indianapolis and I would like to go with him on that...so, I don't know what to do....there are just not enough hours in the day, not enough of me to go around...
Which has been causing some major stress....resulting in chest pain and tightness/shortness of breath that I have had going on since last Monday night...I couldn't sleep Monday night because of it..it got so bad at one point, I had the wits scared out of me...thinking I was having a heart attack....still have the constant pressure and tightness right now and I don't know what to do...go to the Dr/E.R or not go....maybe it is a chest cold, but I have no other symptoms of a cold, other than sinus drainage...in fact last night, I ran 4 miles in 36 minutes, walked another half mile, did 15 minutes on the eliptical and actually felt ok for a while....but, it is still there, along with pain in the middle of my back....I don't want to be a hypocondriac but I am really starting to get worried....
Moving on...life is still just as hectic and busy as ever....I honestly feel like I can never slow down....they are starting to lay people off here at work, so there are only two of us left here in the office...which makes it extremely busy, more so than usual....on top of my heavy work load that I already have, and my Manager, who is a complete jerk sometimes, loud and obnoxious...I would almost give anything to be one of the few left to be laid off....they did last year, laid me off...2 weeks before Christmas...I was devestated over it last year, but this year..I dont' think it would be so bad....I could use the break, use the rest from this place.
The hubby has been working a lot of overtime as well and has totally worn himself down...he gets short tempered and mean with me and the kids...and its only because of being over worked, stressed himself and he never gets enough sleep......that in itsef is a recipe for disaster....now, to top it off, he has the flu and has felt horrible the last couple of days....between the two of us, I swear we are falling apart...this getting older shit sucks!
For instance, I have totally not felt like working out the past month..I mean, I have...I have forced myself too, but my energy level is low and the desire to do so is just gone...poof! This week, I have worked out one time! Last night for an hour....since the Hubby is sick, I am not going tonight, so that I can take over kid and dinner duties...probably a good idea anyway, with this chest pain stuff I have going on. I just wish it would go away...I dont' like when things are out of sync with me...
I am so glad tomorrow is Friday though....I am ready to relax this weekend, finish reading this book I have been trying to get through for two months..as I want to go buy The Help and read it....I have heard it is really good and I am anxious to find out if it measures up to the hype...I also want to finish a show I have been watching on Netflix...Breaking Bad....if you haven't seen this series check it out...it is full of drama about the drug world....the drug cartel and a high school chemistry teacher named Walt, that finds out he has lung cancer and decides to cook meth to make money for his family before he dies....and he has a brother in law that is a DEA agent and he seriously gets in over his head...good stuff!
So, there you have it...the goings on in the life of Dixie....boring, huh? If I dont' post again for awhile, I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday/Holidays and count your blessings!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
When it rains....It pours....
I haven't been around in awhile...basically, because there is too much negative shit going on in my life and blogging about it, well...just wouldn't serve any purpose. So, I have avoided this blog....My personal life is full of stress, my work life is full of stress and I am at my wit's end....just wanted the 2 of you that still read my blog, to know I hadn't died or anything...lol. Hopefully, I will be back soon with interesting worthwhile things to blog about...if not, maybe this blog has come to an end...haven't decided yet...
Stay tuned...
Stay tuned...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Shallow People....
I am so tired of shallow people...that claim to be your freind one minute, then the next...poof! Oh, well...the only true friend I have is my hubby....I count my blessings there every day. (With the exception of one or two others, but one doesnt' live close, out of state)...
I went to the gym last night...first work out I have had in 3 days....I ran 6 miles in 58 minutes...slow, slow, slow...I just wasn't feeling it. I have been kind of depressed and sluggish since last weekends fiasco with our "friend" and was just not feeling it...with a cool down walk, I ended up completing a 10k...6. 2 miles. Then I proceeded to stretch for 10 minutes and then did 15 minutes of abs...followed that with a full hour of upper body weights....man, I am feeling it today.
Didn't sleep too well last night....got a lot of crap going on with my two oldest sons....and their Dad, as well as with My Mom and Brother in S.C....between worrying about all of them, screwing things up with our friend, car problems, money issues...I feel as if I am about to crack the hell up! I feel like sometimes, there is just no point to things....how come some people, can have it so damn good...and me and my family do nothing but struggle every single day! Makes no sense sometimes....sigh. Oh, well...just continue to plod along...day in and day out, always hoping for a better today tomorrow.
I went to the gym last night...first work out I have had in 3 days....I ran 6 miles in 58 minutes...slow, slow, slow...I just wasn't feeling it. I have been kind of depressed and sluggish since last weekends fiasco with our "friend" and was just not feeling it...with a cool down walk, I ended up completing a 10k...6. 2 miles. Then I proceeded to stretch for 10 minutes and then did 15 minutes of abs...followed that with a full hour of upper body weights....man, I am feeling it today.
Didn't sleep too well last night....got a lot of crap going on with my two oldest sons....and their Dad, as well as with My Mom and Brother in S.C....between worrying about all of them, screwing things up with our friend, car problems, money issues...I feel as if I am about to crack the hell up! I feel like sometimes, there is just no point to things....how come some people, can have it so damn good...and me and my family do nothing but struggle every single day! Makes no sense sometimes....sigh. Oh, well...just continue to plod along...day in and day out, always hoping for a better today tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Interview with Childrens Book Author...Anna Deskins
I recently received an email from a wonderful childrens book author, who just happened to read my blog....her name is Anna Deskins and she recently just published her first book.
Here is a picture of Anna and her beautiful children...
The book is called The Adventures of Smitty...and it looks adorable....I am sure my kids will love it and yours will too!
Here is an interview with Anna that I have the oppurtunity to post on my blog:
Your children's book, The Adventures of Smitty looks magically. Tell us about it.
It's the story of a magical island of little creatures called Smilies and the mischievous little main character, Smitty. He's such a naughty boy. Haha! All the moms and kids I've shared it with have been giving me such a wonderful reaction. I cannot believe it. I have to tell you how excited I am to finally have a life-long dream come true. Writing The Adventures of Smitty was really about finding a story that I would want to read to my children at night. It has to be exciting but not scary so that my two daughters can go to sleep. Basically, I was looking for that perfect blend to read to my kids at night and decided, "Why not try writing my own?"
We've had a lot of changes in our life recently, so I want to make sure that when I put my daughters to sleep that they feel safe. I have short chapters because I know how busy we moms are but if you can just sacrifice 5 minutes at night reading to your kids, it makes a world of difference. Your kids will never forget it. And although we're running around the whirlwind of life, our kids grow up so fast, and that time that we'd rather finish watching what happened in our favorite soap opera instead of reading to our kids will never come again. I hope that The Adventures of Smitty and books like it help moms do exactly that.
And it's only 99 cents this week. That's what I love about it. Now, You are recently divorced. How have you been able to continue writing when going through such a change?
Yes, it is by far one of the most challenging points in my life. To see a marriage you thought would last forever to not last forever was difficult for the two of us. I really learned a lot about myself and most importantly, it's brought me closer to my daughters. I think that's what really motivated me to finish this children's book no matter what. When you're going through changes in your life like this, you need something to hold on to. There's a part of you that wants to prove that you can make it, that you will be a success even if it's not with the partner you originally imagined building a life with. I had to keep writing, for my kids. I want to show them that they have to keep strong, no matter what.
We as women, as moms really need to stick together to support each other and our dreams. We're living in an age when I think we're finally realizing, although we want love, the men in our life aren't the answer to everything. We have to stand up on our own two feet and keep going. True love will happen, but until then, we have to keep moving forward. Our children depend on us and we depend on us.
In addition to being a children's book author, you're also a small business owner. How do you juggle taking care of two daughters and at the same time running a business?
Yes, I am a fashion designer and have a retail store. Any type of creativity is what I'm passionate about. That's why writing The Adventures of Smitty was so important to me. Let me tell you, running a small business in today's economy isn't easy especially when raising two girls at the same time. But somehow, it seems someone's watching over me because my dreams are coming true no matter what. To have that many moms glowing about my children's book, means so much to me. And I know my girls are proud.
When do you ever have time to write?
You mean, in between laundry, running a business, chasing my girls around the house, cleaning the house, and flying back and forth fromMiami to New York? Haha? That's one thing I've learned, when you really want to do something, you find a way. Things fall into place if you just go for it and that's what I want to encourage all the moms who are reading this right now. Whatever your goal is, you can do it. Don't let the challenges in your personal life stop you from going for your dreams. Just go for it and it's almost magical how things fall into place.
Where can we get a copy of "The Adventures of Smitty"?
Right now, it's available online by going to: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94655 You can also visit my website:http://www.AnnaDeskins.com where you can read more about my writing process, my recommendations for other books and my own adventures in Mommyhood.
I'm so grateful for your support and the support I'm getting from so many wonderful moms who dream of writing children's books one day too. Writing The Adventures of Smitty has been such an emotional experience for me, a true journey as I was going through so many changes while writing it. It's truly been a blessing in my life. It, along with my daughters, and that guy upstairs have really pulled me through a challenging time.
Thanks for the interview, Anna. And let's go out and support a fellow mom by getting a copy of The Adventures of Smitty today. I know I will!
Here is a picture of Anna and her beautiful children...
The book is called The Adventures of Smitty...and it looks adorable....I am sure my kids will love it and yours will too!
Here is an interview with Anna that I have the oppurtunity to post on my blog:
Your children's book, The Adventures of Smitty looks magically. Tell us about it.
It's the story of a magical island of little creatures called Smilies and the mischievous little main character, Smitty. He's such a naughty boy. Haha! All the moms and kids I've shared it with have been giving me such a wonderful reaction. I cannot believe it. I have to tell you how excited I am to finally have a life-long dream come true. Writing The Adventures of Smitty was really about finding a story that I would want to read to my children at night. It has to be exciting but not scary so that my two daughters can go to sleep. Basically, I was looking for that perfect blend to read to my kids at night and decided, "Why not try writing my own?"
We've had a lot of changes in our life recently, so I want to make sure that when I put my daughters to sleep that they feel safe. I have short chapters because I know how busy we moms are but if you can just sacrifice 5 minutes at night reading to your kids, it makes a world of difference. Your kids will never forget it. And although we're running around the whirlwind of life, our kids grow up so fast, and that time that we'd rather finish watching what happened in our favorite soap opera instead of reading to our kids will never come again. I hope that The Adventures of Smitty and books like it help moms do exactly that.
And it's only 99 cents this week. That's what I love about it. Now, You are recently divorced. How have you been able to continue writing when going through such a change?
Yes, it is by far one of the most challenging points in my life. To see a marriage you thought would last forever to not last forever was difficult for the two of us. I really learned a lot about myself and most importantly, it's brought me closer to my daughters. I think that's what really motivated me to finish this children's book no matter what. When you're going through changes in your life like this, you need something to hold on to. There's a part of you that wants to prove that you can make it, that you will be a success even if it's not with the partner you originally imagined building a life with. I had to keep writing, for my kids. I want to show them that they have to keep strong, no matter what.
We as women, as moms really need to stick together to support each other and our dreams. We're living in an age when I think we're finally realizing, although we want love, the men in our life aren't the answer to everything. We have to stand up on our own two feet and keep going. True love will happen, but until then, we have to keep moving forward. Our children depend on us and we depend on us.
In addition to being a children's book author, you're also a small business owner. How do you juggle taking care of two daughters and at the same time running a business?
Yes, I am a fashion designer and have a retail store. Any type of creativity is what I'm passionate about. That's why writing The Adventures of Smitty was so important to me. Let me tell you, running a small business in today's economy isn't easy especially when raising two girls at the same time. But somehow, it seems someone's watching over me because my dreams are coming true no matter what. To have that many moms glowing about my children's book, means so much to me. And I know my girls are proud.
When do you ever have time to write?
You mean, in between laundry, running a business, chasing my girls around the house, cleaning the house, and flying back and forth fromMiami to New York? Haha? That's one thing I've learned, when you really want to do something, you find a way. Things fall into place if you just go for it and that's what I want to encourage all the moms who are reading this right now. Whatever your goal is, you can do it. Don't let the challenges in your personal life stop you from going for your dreams. Just go for it and it's almost magical how things fall into place.
Where can we get a copy of "The Adventures of Smitty"?
Right now, it's available online by going to: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94655 You can also visit my website:http://www.AnnaDeskins.com where you can read more about my writing process, my recommendations for other books and my own adventures in Mommyhood.
I'm so grateful for your support and the support I'm getting from so many wonderful moms who dream of writing children's books one day too. Writing The Adventures of Smitty has been such an emotional experience for me, a true journey as I was going through so many changes while writing it. It's truly been a blessing in my life. It, along with my daughters, and that guy upstairs have really pulled me through a challenging time.
Thanks for the interview, Anna. And let's go out and support a fellow mom by getting a copy of The Adventures of Smitty today. I know I will!
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